(Ottawa) Canada has imposed more sanctions on Belarusian officials while the exiled opposition leader visits Ottawa.
Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly announced sanctions against 21 people in connection with human rights violations in Belarus. These violations have continued since the 2020 presidential election, which was widely denounced as fraudulent.
The Eastern European country has maintained many Soviet-era policies and restrictions and is often referred to as the continent’s last dictatorship.
The Liberals announced the latest round of sanctions against Belarus as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hosted exiled opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya on Parliament Hill.
Global Affairs Canada says the sanctions target senior government officials, including prosecutors, security forces and penal colony administrators, who participated “in the suppression of the right of Belarusians to peacefully protest.”
Justin Trudeau says Ottawa financially supports civil society organizations trying to defend democracy in Belarus, including independent media.
“As democratic principles retreat and are attacked by disinformation and propaganda, your continued efforts are admirable and important,” Mr. Trudeau told Mr.me Tsikhanouskaya, before the start of their meeting on Monday morning.
The latter thanked the Prime Minister for Canada’s “tremendous support and solidarity” in weakening the regime in Belarus, saying his people want the same freedoms that Canadians enjoy every day.
No war, no fight can be won when you are alone. And on this path, we need strong allies, solid partners like Canada, so as not to feel abandoned.
Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya, Belarusian opposition leader in exile
“It really is a long and difficult road to travel, and of course we want you to walk it with us. »